lending a contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lending a contribution" is not correct in standard written English.
It is a mixed expression that combines two different ideas, and it would be clearer to use one or the other. Example: "The organization is grateful for your contribution to the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This paper also lends a distinctive contribution to the literature by modeling the first time the trade-off between flight delays and CO2 emissions in airline efficiency problems.

Energy Economics

Scandinavian countries were lending a similar amount.

The New Yorker

Lending a Hand.

Science Magazine

Lending a helping hand.

HuffPost

Wiesenfeld was one of the producers enlisted to lend a track, and his contribution "Big World" is streaming today along with four other selections.

Vice

The Gordon children's contributions lend a different vision of their father than fans get from the exhibits of more contemporary players like Rice and Henderson.

The New York Times - Sports

Lorenzo lent a hand.

The New Yorker

Even Iran lent a hand.

The New Yorker

Can you lend a hand?

The New Yorker

Would Duenyas lend a hand?

The New Yorker

Lend a fellow duffer a hand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using the phrase "lending a contribution", opt for more direct and grammatically correct alternatives such as "making a contribution", "offering assistance", or "providing support" to enhance clarity and professionalism in your writing.

Common error

Avoid combining unrelated verbs and nouns. "Lending" typically refers to physical objects or money, while "contribution" is an abstract concept. Using them together creates a confusing image. Use verbs that align with the abstract nature of "contribution", such as "making" or "providing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lending a contribution" functions as an attempt to describe providing assistance or support, but it is grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI points out, this is a mixed expression, combining a verb typically used for concrete objects with an abstract noun.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lending a contribution" is grammatically incorrect due to its mixing of concrete and abstract elements. As Ludwig AI explains, "lending" is typically associated with tangible items, while "contribution" is an abstract concept. Better alternatives include "making a contribution", "offering assistance", or "providing support". While the intention is to convey providing help or support, the phrase's awkwardness diminishes clarity. It's best to avoid this phrase in formal writing and opt for more grammatically sound options to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making a contribution

Focuses on the act of providing or adding something of value.

offering a contribution

Emphasizes the act of presenting or proposing a contribution.

providing assistance

Highlights the act of giving help or support.

giving support

Focuses on the act of offering encouragement or aid.

extending help

Emphasizes the act of reaching out to offer assistance.

offering support

Stresses the act of providing emotional or practical aid.

furnishing a contribution

Highlights the act of supplying or providing a contribution.

supplying assistance

Focuses on the act of providing necessary help or resources.

aiding with a contribution

Emphasizes the act of assisting in making a contribution.

assisting with a contribution

Highlights the act of helping with a specific contribution.

FAQs

What's wrong with the phrase "lending a contribution"?

The phrase "lending a contribution" is a mixed expression. The verb "lend" typically applies to concrete objects or money, while "contribution" is abstract. This combination creates an awkward and grammatically unsound phrasing. It's better to use phrases like "making a contribution" or "offering a contribution".

What are some alternatives to "lending a contribution"?

Instead of "lending a contribution", consider using alternatives such as "making a contribution", "providing assistance", "offering support", or "giving aid" depending on the specific context.

Is it ever correct to use "lending" in the context of support or assistance?

Yes, "lending" can be used in the context of support or assistance, but typically with words like "hand", "ear", or "support" itself. For instance, "lending a hand" or "lending support" are acceptable. However, "lending a contribution" is not a standard or grammatically sound usage.

How can I improve my writing to avoid phrases like "lending a contribution"?

To avoid such phrases, focus on choosing verbs that appropriately match the nouns they modify. Ensure that the verb aligns semantically with the abstract or concrete nature of the noun. When referring to abstract concepts like "contribution", opt for verbs like "make", "offer", or "provide" for clarity and correctness.